Grandma’s Marathon Increasing Security for 2018
Security has been on the increase each year at Grandma's Marathon ever since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and this year is no exception.
Security efforts have more than doubled in recent years with increased security along the route and at the finish line, most notably the large dump trucks blocking Canal Park drive and sand-filled barrels and barricades along the course preventing access.
Much of the security goes unseen, such as undercover police officers in the crowd and K-9 that get to work at 4 am on race day.
New barricades will go up this year due to the rerouting of the race because of the Superior Street reconstruction project. Also, other areas up the north shore could see increased barricades.
The Minnesota State Patrol will also be adding some aerial security with an enhanced Cirrus aircraft that will keep an eye on traffic and enhance the security of runners and spectators.
"It’s all designed with runner safety in mind,” states Shane Bauer, executive director at Grandma’s Marathon. “We’re very fortunate to have such an incredible team here in Duluth. It’s led by our partners at the Duluth Police Department, but includes close to twenty other agencies from the local townships all the way up to the federal level.”
Look for security checkpoints around the finish line and no drones are allowed anywhere on the course or Canal Park. Backpacks are being discouraged and officials are reminding people that any abandoned bag will be seized immediately by security officials, bring only what you need and use clear bags.
No automobiles, bicycles, baby joggers, inline skates, pets or unofficial
participants are allowed on the racecourse.